Chapter 18
In Los Angeles, Emma was up early, getting ready for her big day. Her custom–made wedding dress was as white as snow, highlighting her slender waist and graceful shoulders perfectly.!!
The second she slipped into the dress, everyone around her gasped in awe.
“Oh my God, Emma, you’re absolutely stunning!” her friends gushed, surrounding her with admiration.
Emma smiled softly, catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her reflection showed a woman with delicate features and a hint of happiness gracing her lips.
“The groom’s here!” someone suddenly announced.”
Emma turned to see Fred walking in. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his tall frame and sophisticated aura were impossible to ignore. His eyes landed on Emma, filled with pure admiration.”
“Isn’t Emma beautiful?” someone teased with a laugh.
Fred didn’t respond with words. Instead, he walked straight to Emma, leaned in, and kissed her neck gently, his voice a deep, tender murmur, “My girl is the most beautiful in the world.”
Emma blushed, playfully teasing him, “I’m almost thirty, and you’re still calling me a girl?“}]
Fred chuckled, his eyes soft with affection, “To me, you’ll always be my babe girl.“”
Warmth spread through Emma’s heart, her eyes misting over slightly. She never imagined this arranged marriage would lead her back to
him.
She had agreed to it to escape Roy, to flee from a painful past. But when she met her match, she realized it was Fred, the boy she had secretly admired in school. He was her high school crush, the heartthrob of countless girls, but she never dared to tell him her feelings.
Fred had gone abroad for studies, and they lost touch. It wasn’t until this marriage arrangement that she found out he had always liked her too. This union was something he had pursued.”
In the past two weeks, their connection had blossomed. Fred’s kindness and thoughtfulness slowly pulled her out of Roy’s shadow. She never expected this once unreachable dream to be so charming and real.”
“Emma, are you ready?” Fred’s gentle voice broke through her thoughts.”
Emma nodded, happiness lighting up her smile, “I’m ready.”
Fred took her hand, his gaze full of love, “Let’s go, my bride.“”
Emma gripped his hand tightly, warmth flooding her heart. She knew this time, she’d found her true happiness.
Meanwhile, Roy’s plane had just landed. He and Shelly headed straight to the wedding venue. Once there, Roy stood amidst the lavish, romantic setup, where flowers, lights, and music created a dreamy atmosphere. But he wasn’t there to enjoy it; he was there to find Emma.%
Shelly tapped his shoulder, “I’m off to change into my bridesmaid dress. Lots to do later, so just sit tight and don’t cause any trouble.” Roy nodded, eyes scanning the crowd for Emma. No matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t find her. Frustrated, he was about to ask Shelly when he realized she had already disappeared.%
Left alone, he sat at a table, fingers drumming on the surface, his mind a chaotic mess. People moved around him, some drawn to his striking looks and trying to chat him up.
“Hey handsome, can I get your number?” a girl in a sleek gown approached, her eyes hopeful.
Roy shook his head politely, his tone distant, “Sorry, I have a girlfriend.”%
The girl pouted, disappointed, and walked away. Roy was stunned by his own words, “girlfriend‘ slipping out without thought. He touched the phone in his pocket, feeling his chest tighten.%
“Can she really still be my girlfriend?” he muttered to himself, a bittersweet feeling rising within. He opened his phone, jumped into his group chat, and typed a message: [I’m in LA, planning to win Emma back. Any advice?]%